The Ashton Garden Room
A clean, seamless roofline with no overhang. The Ashton sits flush against walls, fences and existing structures where other designs simply cannot go.
The Ashton is built on exactly the same structure and to exactly the same specification as the Clifton. The single difference is the roof. Where the Clifton has a full-width overhang with integrated spotlights, the Ashton has a clean, flush fascia with no projection. That is not a compromise — for many gardens and many customers it is the better choice.
A flush roofline means the Ashton can sit closer to a boundary, tighter against a wall or fence, or in a garden where any projection would look out of place. It also gives the building a more minimal, architectural character that suits certain cladding choices, particularly dark composites and slatted profiles, better than an overhang would.
When the Ashton is the Right Choice
The question most customers ask is whether to choose the Ashton or the Clifton. The honest answer depends on the garden rather than personal preference alone.
Tight boundary positions
A flush roofline means the Ashton can sit closer to a fence or wall without the overhang eating into the available clearance or looking cramped from outside.
Replacing outbuildings
When a garden room is replacing a garage or existing structure that sits hard against a boundary, the Ashton fits the footprint cleanly without needing additional space for a projection.
Minimal aesthetics
Dark composites and slatted cladding profiles read as more architectural without an overhang. If the look you want is sharp and uninterrupted, the Ashton delivers it.
Smaller gardens
In a compact garden where every centimetre counts, eliminating the overhang projection keeps the visual weight of the building lower and the garden feeling more open.
Against existing structures
A room positioned adjacent to a house wall or garage benefits from a flush roofline that integrates cleanly with the existing building line.
Budget
The Ashton is slightly lower in price than the equivalent Clifton. The overhang and spotlight assembly adds cost; if you do not want it, you do not pay for it.
If your garden has the space and you want the spotlit canopy effect at night, choose the Clifton. If your garden is tight, you want a minimal roofline, or the room is sitting close to a boundary or existing structure, the Ashton is the better fit. Both are the same build quality, same spec, same guarantee.
A Real Ashton Build: Isleworth
One of the more unusual commissions we have completed was in Isleworth, where a customer wanted to replace two back-to-back garages that occupied the full width of the garden. The result was two Ashton garden rooms built side by side on the same site, one at 7.6m x 3.3m in Cedral Tea Green Lap, and one at 6.4m x 3m in EcoScape Midnight slatted composite.
The Ashton was the only practical choice for both rooms. The garages sat hard against the boundary and the replacement rooms needed to sit in the same position. Any overhang would have compromised the clearance. The flush roofline also allowed the two rooms to sit next to each other cleanly without the fascias conflicting.
Have an unusual site or a tight boundary position? Tell Kieron what you are working with.
Talk it through →The Ashton in Black
The Ashton's flush roofline works particularly well with dark cladding. Without the overhang breaking up the front elevation, the building reads as a single clean form. These two builds show the same design in EcoScape Midnight slatted composite and Cedral Click Black.
What is Included as Standard
The Ashton is built to the same specification as every other My Retreat garden room. Everything needed for a finished, usable room is included from day one.
Steel Frame Floor
Will not rot, warp or move. A more durable base than the timber frames most competitors use.
Concrete-Filled Piles
Concrete is poured into plastic tubes driven approximately 50–60cm into the ground. Ground screws are available as an alternative where appropriate.
Floor, Walls and Ceiling
50mm EPS foam insulation throughout as standard. Comfortable year-round without excessive heating costs.
EPDM Rubber Roof
25-year life expectancy. No felt, no tiles, no maintenance. Anthracite grey or black fascia to match your doors.
Double-Glazed UPVC
Sliding or bifold UPVC doors and windows as standard. Aluminium doors and windows are available as an upgrade.
Full Electrical Fit-Out
Consumer unit, lighting circuit, double sockets, panel heater and cable run from the house (up to 20m) all included.
Plastered and Painted
Plastered walls, MDF skirting, SPC flooring and a coat of paint included as standard. Move in from day one.
Smart Wi-Fi Panel Heater
2kW wall-mounted heater with Wi-Fi control via the Tuya app included as standard on every build.
Large Choice of Cladding Options
Choose from Thermowood, Charred Larch, Cedral Lap, Cedral VL, Cedar or EcoScape Forma slatted composite. All secret-fixed for a clean finish.
Cladding Options
All cladding is secret-fixed for a clean finish with no visible fixings on the face of the boards.
Thermowood
Heat-treated timber for improved durability and dimensional stability. A consistent, warm finish that requires less maintenance than standard larch.
Charred Larch (Shou Sugi Ban)
A charred and brushed finish that gives a striking dark appearance and excellent durability. Available in black.
Cedral Lap
Fibre cement composite cladding available in 20+ colours. Virtually maintenance free and will not rot, split or warp.
Cedar
Western red cedar is the premium natural timber choice. Ages to a beautiful silver-grey over time and requires minimal maintenance.
Cedral VL
A wider profile fibre cement board with a more architectural finish, available in 20 colours.
EcoScape Slatted Composite
Made from 55% reclaimed wood fibres and 45% recycled plastics, EcoScape Forma slatted cladding delivers a bold, contemporary look. Available in Midnight, Argent, Silver Birch, Spiced Oak, Natural Oak, Light Oak and Havana.
See real examples of every cladding option with photos on our full specifications page.
Sizes and Guide Prices
The Ashton is available in any size from 2.7m x 2.7m upward. Garden rooms up to 30m² are typically built under permitted development with no planning application required. For rooms over 30m², building regulations apply and we will advise accordingly.
The table below gives guide prices by size and cladding. All prices include VAT, delivery, installation and foundations. Your final price may vary depending on your garden's access, ground conditions and electrical requirements.
| Size | Thermowood / Charred Larch | Composite | Cedar |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7m x 2.7m | £18,376 | £19,553 | £20,638 |
| 3.95m x 2.7m | £22,030 | £23,501 | £24,858 |
| 5.2m x 2.7m | £25,658 | £27,423 | £29,051 |
| 3.3m x 3.3m | £23,206 | £24,676 | £26,033 |
| 5.2m x 3.3m | £31,358 | £33,269 | £35,034 |
| 5.2m x 3.95m | £32,855 | £34,913 | £36,813 |
| 5.8m x 3.95m | £35,063 | £37,269 | £39,305 |
| 7m x 3.95m | £40,453 | £42,953 | £45,260 |
| 7m x 4m | £43,139 | £45,639 | £47,946 |
Prices are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change. Individual gardens, access conditions and electrical requirements vary and will affect the final price. Use the 3D design tool or call Kieron for a price specific to your garden and specification.
Get a price specific to your garden, size and specification.
Design yours in 3D →Planning Permission
Most Ashton garden rooms qualify as permitted development and do not require a planning application. The rules that apply are the standard outbuilding rules for England: single storey, maximum overall height 2.5m if within 2 metres of a boundary, maximum 4m or 3m if further back, and outbuildings covering no more than 50% of the original garden area.
Conservation areas, listed buildings and new-build estates where permitted development rights have been removed by planning condition are the main exceptions. The responsibility for confirming your planning position sits with you as the property owner. Our full Surrey planning permission guide covers every scenario in detail.
Speak to Kieron about your Ashton
Every Ashton is different. Kieron replies personally within 2 hours on weekdays and will talk through size, cladding and cost before anything is committed to.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Ashton and the Clifton?
Can the Ashton sit right against a boundary?
What foundation system do you use?
What doors and windows do you use as standard?
What sizes are available?
Can you build two rooms side by side on the same site?
What guarantee do you offer?
Do the prices include everything?
Helpful Pages
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Design your room in 3D and get an instant price, or call Kieron directly for a conversation about your garden and your brief. No obligation, no pushy sales.